Sanitary napkin



July 15, 1969 0. E. WILSON 3,455,303

SANITARY NAPKIN Filed July 25, 1966 INVENTOR Fig.3

ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,455,303 SANITARY NAPKIN Dolores E. Wilson, 5129 Denely Drive, Dallas, Tex. 75241 Filed July 25, 1966, Ser. No. 567,791 Int. Cl. A61f 13/16 US. Cl. 128-289 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A sanitary napkin comprising a substantially ovalshaped pad composed of one or more layers of absorbent material overlying a pliable plastic outer layer which is impervious to moisture, the pad having a pair of elastic strips arranged through paired slits therein spaced inwardly from each of its longer marginal edges and spaced apart longitudinally of the pad, the free ends of the strips being joinable about the hips of the wearer by an adhesive material, the complete assembly being dispos' able.

This invention relates to sanitary menstrual napkins and particularly to an improved absorbent pad having suspension means thereon obviating the requirement for a supporting belt.

A prime object of the invention is that of providing a sanitary napkin which includes a substantially oval pad of one or more layers of absorbent material having an outer layer of moisture impenetrable plastic sheeting, and having suspension straps by which the pad can be com fortably worn without the aid of a supporting belt.

Another object of the invention is that of providing a sanitary napkin which is economical in structure and design and capable of unitary packaging in hermetically sealed containers, including its supporting media, and which is completely disposable.

While the foregoing objects are paramount, other and lesser objects will become apparent when considered in connection with the appended drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the pad with its supporting strips, one pair of which is joined at their outer ends.

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view showing the pad as worn, the wearers body being shown fragmentarily in broken lines.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the inner surface of the pad showing the manner of securing the supporting strips thereto and showing the latter extended.

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the outer plastic covered surface of the pad showing the supporting strips passed through the pad intermediate their ends, the strips being shown partially in broken lines and extending beyond the ends of the pad.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of one of the adhesive elements attached to the outer ends of the supportin strips for joining them, and

FIGURE 6 is a transverse sectional view, on line 66 of FIGURE 3, showing the absorbent materials of which the pad is formed and showing the plastic outer layer.

3,455,303 Patented July 15, 1969 "ice The invention, in its preferred form, comprises a pad 10 which is substantially oval in marginal outline and composed of one or more laminations of an absorbent material, such as a loosely woven cotton fabric or other suitable materials, having an outer layer of a thin plastic material 3, as shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 6.

The pad 10 is worn in the manner shown in FIG- URE 2, and is supported by a pair of relatively narrow elastic strips 9 threaded through small slits in the pad 10 strategically spaced about one inch from each marginal edge thereof, as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4, and spaced apart longitudinally of the pad 10.

Such arrangement locates the secured portions of the strips 9 about one and one-half inches from the medial line 8 of the pad 10 and insures a most desirable positioning of the pad 10 on the wearer since the strips 9 can be comfortably placed about the upper thighs in such manner as to prevent the pad 10 from being displaced or pulled away from the body. FIGURE 2 illustrates the proper positioning of the strips 9 on the body 6, as well as the adjustments afforded by the adhesive means 5, the latter being also shown in FIGURES 3 and 5. The adhesive strips 5 are sewn to the ends of the elastic supporting strips 9 and these elements provide for substantial adjustment to accommodate varying sized individuals.

The oval shape of the pad 10 has been found most desirable for maximum comfort and function, and the plastic outer layer 3, which is impervious to moisture, will prevent the menstrual fluids from penetrating the pad 10.

Having described my invention in substantial detail, what I claim is:

1. In a sanitary napkin comprising an oval pad composed of at least one layer of absorbent material overlying a moisture-proof plastic shield, attaching means for said pad comprising strips secured thereto through slits formed in said pad, the said slits spaced apart and inwardly from the marginal sides thereof, the said strips being stitched to said pad adjacent to each of said slits, and adhesive means secured to each free end of said strips whereby the ends thereof can be adjustably attached to each other about the body of the wearer.

2. In a sanitary napkin as described in claim 1, the said strips being formed of an elastic material, and the said adhesive means comprising a strip of self-adhering material stitched to the outer ends of said attaching strips.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 929,166 7/ 1909 Plamondon 128-289 2,092,346 9/ 1937 Arone 128289 2,352,228 6/ 1944 Schulman 128289 2,745,406 5/ 1956 Kenner 128-291 3,059,644 10/1962 Atkinson 128--290 FOREIGN PATENTS 20,171 5/ 1929 Australia.

CHARLES F. ROSENBAUM, Primary Examiner 

